WHO Urges Stronger Global Commitment to Maternal Health in Latest Report
Geneva, Thursday, 10 April 2025.
A startling global health update from the WHO reveals that a preventable maternal or newborn death happens every seven seconds, driving a year-long campaign to reduce these tragic occurrences.
Global Crisis in Maternal Health
The World Health Organization’s latest data reveals a devastating reality: approximately 260,000 women lose their lives annually due to pregnancy or childbirth complications, while over 2 million babies die in their first month of life and another 2 million are stillborn [1]. This crisis has prompted WHO to launch its ‘Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures’ campaign on April 7, 2025, marking a crucial turning point in addressing maternal health challenges [2].
Systemic Challenges and Regional Disparities
Current trends indicate alarming systemic failures, with four out of five countries falling behind targets for improving maternal survival by 2030 [2]. The crisis is particularly acute in conflict-affected areas, where 600 million women and girls now reside - representing a 50% increase since 2017 [3]. The situation is further complicated by a severe disparity in healthcare access, particularly in regions experiencing humanitarian crises [3].
Immediate Health Impacts and Interventions
The health implications extend beyond immediate survival concerns. Recent studies indicate that approximately 20% of individuals affected by humanitarian crises develop long-term mental health conditions, yet only 2% receive necessary care [3]. In Gaza, for instance, the situation has reached critical levels, with 55,000 pregnant women currently at risk, one-third of whom face high-risk pregnancies [4]. Approximately 130 babies are born daily in these challenging conditions, with 27% requiring cesarean sections [4].
Prevention and Future Outlook
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has joined WHO’s initiative, emphasizing the long-term health implications of maternal care. Their research highlights how early intervention can significantly impact future health outcomes, particularly in cancer prevention [5]. This comprehensive approach to maternal health demonstrates how investing in maternal care creates ripple effects throughout healthcare systems, benefiting entire communities [1][5].